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01-06-2010 | Original Paper

The evolution and impact of therapy in multiple myeloma

Authors: Jacob P. Laubach, Paul G. Richardson, Kenneth C. Anderson

Published in: Medical Oncology | Special Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by aberrant expression of plasma cells wtihin the bone marrow, and is associated with the well known clinical manifestations anemia, bone disease, renal dysfunction, hypercalcemia, and recurrent infections. For many years, melphalan and prednisone represented the standard of care in multiple myeloma therapy, with stem cell transplantation reserved for selected patients. Treatment of the disease has evolved rapidly over the past decade, however, with the development and utilization of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib. As a result of these developments, clinical outcomes have improved significantly. This review highlights important historic landmarks as well as more recent events that have played an important role in the evolution of myeloma therapy.

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Title: The evolution and impact of therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Jacob P. Laubach
Paul G. Richardson
Kenneth C. Anderson
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Medical Oncology / Issue Special Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1357-0560
Electronic ISSN: 1559-131X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-010-9442-2

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